5 Obstacle Races Every Athlete Should Try

Athletes who are bored of monotonous road 5Ks should challenge themselves with an innovative obstacle course competition. More people are flocking to unusual races to experience something out of the ordinary. These nine crazy competitions test endurance, agility, problem-solving and grit.

1. Tough MudderPerhaps the most famous obstacle course race, the Tough Mudder has upped the ante by adding endurance competitions and Tough Mudder X, a race that promises to crown “the fittest athlete in the world.”

3. Epic Series Obstacle ChallengeEpic’s course is only about 400 meters–the size of a regular track. They advertise “more fun, less run.” Participants race a lap carrying something heavy, charge through more than 30 obstacles, then race another lap.

4. Civilian Military CombineThis grueling military-themed test was designed by CrossFit coaches and military professionals. It begins with five minutes of strength exercises, followed by a five-mile obstacle course race.